As a doctor of optometry thriving in your career, we know that your primary focus is patient care. Having a malpractice insurance provider that is familiar with the unique needs of ODs provides the confidence to do what you do best: provide high-quality patient care.
Compared to a local insurance agent who may not be fully aware of OD insurance needs, Lockton Affinity has over a decade of experience supporting thousands of ODs. Through that experience, Lockton Affinity also seen the gambit of industry-specific claims.
Below, we explore three real malpractice claims your fellow ODs have faced and elaborate on why optometrist-tailored insurance matters.
3 Real Claims Optometrists Have Faced
- Missed diagnosis
A patient alleged the OD missed a diagnosis of retinal detachment for months, which resulted in the patient requiring several surgeries. - Delayed follow-ups and referrals
A patient experiencing abrasions was told to return the next day for a follow-up appointment. The patient alleges the office staff scheduled the appointment for a week later, at which point the patient had a double eye infection. - Poor documentation
A patient experienced eye pressure after sustaining a head injury. The OD attempted to treat the patient several times, but the patient filed a malpractice claim alleging the OD’s failure to diagnose. Throughout the claims process, it was discovered that the OD also failed to document key exams and make clear notes on the patient’s file.
The AOA Insurance Program difference
To protect your career and your practice from similar claims, it is crucial to have the right malpractice coverage in place. Your policy should be tailored to the needs of ODs and offer:
- Coverage to meet your state’s approved scope of practice.
- Occurrence-based coverage that protects the policy holder from a covered incident even if the claim is made after the policy is no longer active.
- Portable coverage that protects you if you work in multiple settings.
Lockton Affinity’s Malpractice insurance policy offers these key coverages for ODs like you. Plus, their team is comprised of individuals with industry knowledge and experience. Should you experience a claim, Lockton Affinity works to support you through the process by staying in contact with the claim adjustors to help keep the process moving and you fully informed.
Plus, Lockton Affinity partners with only the best insurance carriers that are rated highly in the industry for financial stability and operating performance.
Why Optometrist-Tailored Insurance Matters
As an OD, there are steps to take to help ensure you, your practice and your livelihood are better protected.
- Implement risk management tactics, like a risk prevention plan, cyber security improvements and changes to your hiring process.
- Have Malpractice insurance that covers your state’s approved scope of practice.
- Purchase your insurance coverage from a trusted company.
- Report incidents quickly and thoroughly.
Lockton Affinity partnered with the American Optometric Association more than a decade ago to meet the insurance needs of doctors of optometry by offering leading Malpractice insurance, support from customer service representatives with industry knowledge, risk management resources to prevent claims and more.
As a Lockton Affinity policyholder, you can rest assured that the team is here to support you. Whether you’d like support with your risk management plan or have questions about your claim risk, Lockton Affinity is here to help you and your practice.
